Contemporary management of scalp cirsoid aneurysm: A dual-trained neurosurgeon's perspective

Scalp cirsoid aneurysms are subcutaneous arteriovenous fistulae fed by branches of the external carotid artery. They present with progressive scalp swelling and cosmetic deformities in addition to neuro-vascular symptoms. We evaluate the treatment and outcome of this rare vascular lesion with surgery and adjunctive endovascular embolisation performed by a dual-trained neurosurgeon.

A retrospective analysis of 6 cases operated over a 16 year-period was performed which comprised of clinical data, radiology including angiography and pre-operative embolisation, surgical approaches, outcomes and complications.

6 patients with ages ranging between 26 and 51 years were operated in the study period. All the patients underwent surgical excision of the lesion, of which 2 had undergone pre-operative embolisation of the feeders. There was no recurrence in the follow-up period (Mean 4.7 years) following total excision of the lesions. One patient had post-operative wound dehiscence and another had migration of embolic material to lungs.

Surgery is the predominant treatment method for scalp cirsoid aneurysms. Various adjunctive endovascular procedures can be performed pre-operatively to minimise operative blood loss.Though lower recurrence is seen with surgery for the scalp AV fistula, embolisation performed in select cases can achieve curative results with appropriate techniques.